Stellantis executives had a pretty busy schedule yesterday at the group’s EV Day event where they announced the electrification plan for all 14 brands. As part of the presentation, it was confirmed that 8 new models based on the new STLA Large architecture will debut by 2026.
The STLA Large is one of the four modular fully electric architectures Stellantis will use for its future models, alongside STLA Small, STLA Medium, and STLA Frame. The vehicles based on the Large platform will have a length of 4.70 – 5.40 m (185 – 212.6 inches) and a width of 1.90 – 2.03 m (74.8 – 79.9 inches). The batteries will have a capacity of 101 kWh to 118 kWh offering up to 500 miles (800 km) of range between charges.
Read Also: Stellantis To Spend $35 Billion On Electrification Strategy For All 14 Brands By 2025
Ralf Gilles, chief design officer, said: “The work on the STLA Large platform is already well underway in our design studios. So far they look to him as some of the most beautiful cars they’ve designed yet.”
We can’t be sure if the 3D models shown in the video as teasers are previewing the models’ final design for production or if they are simple mock-up outlines for show purposes. However, the design development should start a long time before the debut of each model and if Stellantis is not following the comical example of the former FCA group that came out with a different product plan every year disregarding the previous one, we assume that at least some of the teasers will bear some resemblance to the final product.
So let’s take a closer look at Stellantis’ forthcoming medium and large-sized models coming in the next 5 years.
Long-Range Luxury Sedan
This Long-Range Luxury Sedan will probably wear Chrysler’s badge. The teaser shows an aerodynamic fastback silhouette with toned-up fenders and an integrated spoiler. Judging from the size, we guess it could be a Tesla Model S rival, also competing with the upcoming fully electric Audi A6 e-tron, BMW i5 and Mercedes-Benz EQE.
Two more low-riding models will probably be the electric successors of the aging Dodge Charger and Challenger. The chief designer gave us a hint of an “all-conquering muscle car” and Dodge’s own presentation talked about the eMuscle. Dodge will launch the first full battery electric muscle car in 2024 and judging from the teasers its design will be largely inspired by the ’68 Charger.
Jeep SUV No1
Moving on to the SUVs, there is a variety of Stellantis models coming our way. First of there is a Jeep-branded SUV that looks slightly smaller than the two-row Jeep Grand Cherokee unveiled yesterday. It has a different window-line and a softer approach on its front end while retaining the squared wheelarches and the signature grille. All this makes us wonder if this is the regular Cherokee’s electrified successor.
Jeep SUV No2
There is a second Jeep that looks quite promising with rugged looks thanks to its boxy shape, imposing dimensions, off-road tires, and external spare tire at the back. Ralf Gilles described it as a “very capable Jeep off-roading white space opportunity vehicle”. The unibody construction of the STLA Large platform differentiates it from the Wrangler and Gladiator models. However, it is designed with short front and rear overhangs allowing for great off-road angles.
Sporty Crossover
A high-riding model with a wholly different approach is this sporty and muscular SUV that was also a part of the teasers. Although there is no official information on this design, details like the elongated headlights and taillights, the heavily inclined rear windscreen, and the dynamic lines on the bonnet make us believe it will be a Dodge-branded electric SUV aiming at performance.
It is rumored that Dodge is developing a new Hornet sharing its underpinnings with the upcoming Alfa Romeo Tonale C-SUV. However, the pictured SUV on the teaser is definitely larger, based on the STLA Large architecture. Judging from its silhouette, it could be closely related to the upcoming fully electric version of Maserati Grecale, even though noone can be certain at this point.
Among the 8 vehicles shown in the teaser video, we had difficulty identifying two more SUVs. The one on the left with the five-spoke alloy wheels could be the electric successor of the Dodge Durango but it is really difficult to make a guess bout the one on the left. Feel free to help us out in the comments section below.
While the plan sounds confusing and details are scarce at the moment, we really hope Stellantis makes it right with all 14 brands, avoiding the mistakes of the past. Especially for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram, it is important for the US audience to see them cherish, given the big opportunity of electrification. We just hope those plans materialize, even though many of you will take them with a grain of salt.
Which one of the upcoming Stellantis models are you most excited for? Do you think the fully electric powertrains will be a good fit for traditional nameplates? Let us know in the comments section below.